Psychology and Spirituality: What Writing 'The 7' Taught Me

"The 7: Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life," by Glenn Beck and Keith Ablow (Simon and Schuster)

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Dr. Keith Ablow

Something interesting happened as I wrote "The 7: Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life" with my friend Glenn Beck, released by our publisher Jan 4.

As we identified and explored the seven key principles Glenn had used to change his life, which happen to be the very same principles I tap into to help patients, I began to change.

I came to understand more clearly than ever that the power of therapy to change lives is very much about helping people understand that there really is a true path through life that is theirs to take—quite literally meant for them—and that alcoholism, anxiety, being very overweight, depression, shattered relationships and all sorts of difficulties in life stem from being unable to find that path and pursue it.

The existence of one’s path—or destiny, if you will—is inexplicable and immeasurable and, as such, a kind of miracle. It has always and it will always defy scientific explanation. Finding it requires courage to begin looking for it, faith that it does indeed exist, a clear view of the wrong turns one has taken in life (i.e., truth) and an ability to forgive one self and others for those detours (i.e., compassion).

One’s true self is so powerful that trying to deny it creates emotional pain that we seek to cover up with alcohol and drugs, overeating, sexual addictions, compulsive gambling, a ceaseless quest for material goods, addiction to work and endless surfing on the Web. The list could go on and on. But no manner of distraction will suffice to keep the suffering of being estranged from one’s self at bay. Your truth will not be denied. And that’s a very, very good thing—for you and for the rest of us who can benefit from your gifts.

I now see more clearly than ever that helping people identify and embrace their own beliefs, inclinations, hopes and dreams is essentially helping them embrace God. And if I may have been timid about saying so before, I am no longer.

As we quote more than once in The 7:You are the temple of God.--Corinthians 3:16